Kick-off: The 2018 premiers kick off campaign to become the first team in more than 25 years to successfully defend their title by going up against South Sydney at the SCG. The Roosters, who will play home matches at the ground in 2019 while Allianz Stadium is being rebuilt, also take on Brisbane at the famous venue in round four after road trips to Manly and Parramatta.

Five key matchups

Dragons (Round 7, SCG): One of the biggest days outside the NRL grand final and State of Origin, the Anzac Day clash is set for a move to the SCG in 2019 with the closing down of Allianz Stadium due to redevelopment.

Rabbitohs (Round 1, SCG): Another chapter in the book of feuds takes off with Angus Crichton pencilled in to take on his former club. How Crichton is acknowledged by Bunnies fans is anyone's guess given his deal is still yet to officially be announced by the Tricolours.

Storm (Round 6, AAMI Park): A no-brainer for the Roosters is this grand final rematch. Throw in a fit Cooper Cronk in possibly his final season in the NRL and this is one not to miss. Melbourne will be itching for a return match against the premiers after putting in their most lacklustre grand final performance since the 40-0 loss to Manly in 2008.

Broncos (Round 4, SCG): If the Roosters had a bogey team in 2018, the Broncos were it. Brisbane's two victories (28-22 in round 11 and 22-8 in round 24) against Trent Robinson's side were one Brisbane took plenty of confidence from. Roosters squad player Sean O'Sullivan could be Brisbane's halfback. Also, don't forget Dylan Napa's 2018 dramas in matches against the men from Brisbane.

Bulldogs (Round 14, set to be at SCG): A great rivalry, but that has gone cold in recent seasons with the Roosters winning 10 of the last 13 games between the sides. Brett Morris' summermove from Belmore to Bondi will provide another storyline.

Toughest stretch: Rounds 4-8. The Roosters will want to hit their straps early in 2019 because they have five tough games in a row starting less than a month into the season. In round four, they host Brisbane – a club that downed the premiers twice in 2018 – then travel to Cronulla before heading to Melbourne in round six before two home games against the Dragons and the Wests Tigers – a team that gave them plenty of trouble last season despite not making the top eight themselves.

And another thing: Grand final star Cooper Cronk will finally get a chance to play at his old home ground of AAMI Park as an away player. Last year the eventual grand final combatants met just once through the regular season, in Adelaide. The fixture in the South Australian capital is on again with the Tricolours set to host the Storm in round 15 but they also travel to Melbourne in round six for a Friday night blockbuster which also shapes as a grand final rematch.